5. Nāmakaraṇa
The naming ceremony
The child is formally named, traditionally on the 10th, 11th or 12th day after birth, once the period of birth-impurity (sūtaka) ends. A small pūjā or havan is done, and the father or elder whispers the name into the baby's ear before announcing it.
Many families choose a name starting with a syllable linked to the birth nakṣatra. Today it is often held a few weeks later for convenience, and in some regions it is combined with the cradle ceremony (Bārasā, Pāḷaṇā).
Day 10–12 · Nakṣatra syllable